I don’t think I’ve told you about the race our village arranges, have I?

Seems as though I forgot to tell you! Well, with all that’s going on, I hope you can forgive me, Rita! You know what, ride out and talk to Ilona Skywolf, she’s the race organizer. You’ll find her on the other side of the river, on the way to Shipwreck Shores.

Good luck in the race Rita, and say hello to Ilona from me!

Objectives: Talk to Ilona Skywolf.

Rewards: 10 Jorvik Shillings, 5 XP

Reputation: 10 with Crescent Moon Village

Ride out of the village to the west and Ilona can be found on the side of the road after a short distance.

Good day to you! What a handsome runner you have there! What could such a fine specimen be called?

Summerblaze. A fine name if I may say so.

Quest completed

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Try the Race in Crescent Moon Village

So my noble friend. Are you ready to test your limits in our village race?

Terrific. If you stand over by the starting line, I’ll count you down. Best of luck!

Objectives: Ride to the finish line.

Rewards: 40 Jorvik Shillings, 25 XP

Reputation: 25 with Crescent Moon Village

This race may be quite difficult. Make sure you have good jumping skill as many of the obstacles are fairly large. Agility skill is also recommended.

Complete the race, then speak to Ilona.

Ha! You did a marvelous job!

Quest completed

With that done, you can now compete in this race as a daily task.

Let’s go wander around New Hillcrest and see if anyone needs our help there….

Excuse me sir, do you need some help…?

Heavier Than It Looks

Urgh… Hmph… Ow, ow, ow!!

Hello? Is somebody there?

You, hey! Girlie! Could you help me please? Urgh… OWWW!!

I’m stuck, could you help me lift up this barbell so I can get up? Ugh… Ouch, ouch, ouch!! Could you hurry please? It’s really heavy! Ugh… Hmph.

Objectives: Lift the barbell from on top of the man on the ground.

Rewards: 10 Jorvik Shillings, 15 XP

Reputation: 10 with New Hillcrest

You should know better than to lift without a spotter.

Whew! Gasp! Gulp! I can finally breathe!

Quest completed

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The Laughing Barbell

Thanks for helping…

Sigh.

I’m really terrible at this now, I can’t even lift a barbell anymore. Now it’s just sitting here laughing at me. I sear if it could talk it would definitely be laughing.

Sigh.

I wish I could just pick it up and clear it away, but how’s that gonna happen if I can’t even lift it up? If I can’t lift it, how am I going to dismantle it? I’m really bad at this…

Sorry, what? You’ll dismantle it for me?

Umm… Okay?

Objectives: Dismantle the barbell, then talk to the upset man.

Rewards: 15 Jorvik Shillings, 10 XP

Reputation: 15 with New Hillcrest

Barbell, schmarbell. I got this. Watch and learn.

Umm, thanks. You must be pretty strong to have been able to do that!

Quest completed

______________

Sad, Sad Ricky

Sorry, I totally forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ricky Winterwell, and you are?

Rita? Cool name. How come you’re so strong? I wish I was that strong. Have you also practiced Jor Jitsu?

You haven’t?

Hmm. Thanks for helping me with the weighs, I won’t keep you any longer.

Sigh.

I’d never have been able to do that myself. I’m the worst. I don’t even know why I tried to pump that much iron… Can’t even believe I used to be able to lift it…

Doesn’t matter though. Even if I could lift it, I’m nowhere near strong enough to win.

Yeah, I used to train at Jor Jitsu. You could say I got a little bit over-confident and thought I was the best. Sigh. Probably best I crashed back to reality and realized that I can’t do anything at all.

Objectives: Talk to Ricky.

Rewards: 10 Jorvik Shillings, 5 XP

Reputation: 10 with New Hillcrest

Poor, poor, sad Ricky.

Ugh. Sigh.

I don’t want to talk about Jor Jitsu and training and all that stuff now. Leave me be.

Quest completed

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Take Your Mind Off It…

Please… Leave me be, I don’t feel so great right now.

What? You think I should take my mind off it with something else? Like what?

If there’s anything I need to get done? Hmm… Now you mention it, I have actually promised to build some horse riding obstacles for the Bulldogz. Sigh.

Who are the Bulldogz? They’re New Hillcrest’s very own riding club.

I just want to watch a film or something. I dunno if I can bring myself to build a racetrack right now… Hey! I know! I can maybe chill in front of the TV and watch Larry Porter. I’ve got all the films at home. I could watch Larry Porter and the Prisoner of Alcatraz or Larry Porter and the Border of the Peanuts…

Hmm… Sigh. You’re probably right Rita. If I’ve promised, I suppose I better see it through.

I just don’t know if I have the energy right now though. Sigh.

You’d like to help me? Really? Wow, that’s really nice of you!

Oh, wait a second! I just remembered that Nathalie borrowed my axe, so it’s down by the stable. Without my axe, I can’t build any obstacles since I need to chop wood to make them. I’ll probably just go and grab the axe some other tie, I really can’t be bothered now…

What? You’ll ride down and get it?

Umm… Okay, if you’re sure? Talk to my girlfriend Nathalie Moonriver, she’ll definitely help you. She’s the manager of the stables, so if you ride down there, you’ll see her for sure.

Objectives: Ride down to the stables and fetch the axe from Nathalie Moonriver.

Rewards: 20 Jorvik Shillings, 15 XP

Reputation: 15 with New Hillcrest

Ride south out of New Hillcrest and down a big hill to the coastline you’ll find the stable. Nathalie is standing out front.

Ricky’s axe? Where’s Ricky, and who are you?

Quest completed

______________

The Loss That Never Left

Nice to meet you Rita! What a beautiful horse you have! You must’ve been riding a very long time, no? Well anyway, my name’s Nathalie Moonriver, and I’m the manager here at the stables. Well, for as long as they’re still here anyway.

Sorry, that’s got nothing to do with your problem! How’s Ricky? How come he didn’t come get the axe himself?

Hmm…

Ricky’s not normally this down in the mouth. See, my Ricky used to be a really top martial arts expert in Jor Jitsu. Everything was looking great for him and everyone thought he was going to win the All-Jorvik Championships, but that’s when he lost the most important match of his life. Before that match, he always wanted to compete, he was always on go and always wanted to train and work out. After that loss, it’s like all the energy just drained out of him.

I wish I could do something for him.

Hmm… I dunno if there’s much you could do either, Rita.

Sorry, hey, now I’m keeping you here with loads of unnecessary information. You were here to get Ricky’s axe? It should be sitting round the back of the stable.

Or actually, wait… Grab two axes. I just had an idea. Both axes are behind the stable.

Objectives: Fetch two axes from the back of the stable, then talk to Nathalie.

Rewards: 20 Jorvik Shillings, 15 XP

Reputation: 15 with New Hillcrest

Go around behind the stable building and pick up the two axes on the ground there, then return to Nathalie.

Did you find them? Great! Let me tell you about this idea I had.

Quest completed

______________

The Beginnings of a Plan

Do you still want to help me and Ricky, Rita?

Great! Then you can hear my plan…

Ricky used to be incredibly competitive. It was a bit awkward sometimes, but it was mostly pretty charming, the way he’d compete at every single thing he did was kinda cute sometimes. Who could brush their teeth the fastest, who could fit the most popcorn in their mouth or which one of us could stay awake longest during a movie marathon.

Since he lost that match though, he’s just not like that anymore. This is why I’m thinking it would be a good idea for you to challenge him to a load of competitive stuff — doesn’t matter how silly or simple it seems — just challenge him at everything. Wanna give it a go?

Haha great! This makes me happy, thanks so much!

Now you get why I wanted you to get two axes, right?

Haha, exactly. You’re gonna have an axe each so you can compete against each other!

If this doesn’t work, then… Then… Nope, I can’t even think about it. This just has to work. We need to get Ricky back to his old competitive self again, because I can’t stand seeing him so unhappy.

Thanks Rita, you’re right! Together we can do this! You’ll ride back to Ricky with the axes now?

Let’s hope this plan works to get Ricky back to his old competitive self again.

Sigh. Did you get the axe? Was Nathalie there?

Quest completed

______________

Timber!

Sigh.

Thanks for bringing the axe Rita, but I really don’t think I have the energy to go chopping trees down today.

Sigh.

What’s that? Nathalie said I’ve competed in Jor Jitsu? Yeah, she’s right, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ll never compete again, even if it could save the stables…

The winner of the Jorvegian Jor Jitsu Championships gets a whole heap of money, money I’d have given to Nathalie and the stable, but you saw how it went with the barbell earlier…

Why does the stable need money? Oh, it’s not anything you and Summerblaze need to worry about, we’ve got enough worrying going on here as it is.

Sigh. Instead of cutting down trees, I think I’ll just go and sit down to watch Larry Porter and the Half-Mud Prints.

Excuse me? What did you say, Rita? That you don’t think I could chop down a tree? Hmph. Of course I can, I just don’t feel like it right now.

What do you mean race? You wanna race me to see who can cut down the most trees? Hahaha, oh little Rita, I’ll soon show you! I’m not scared, of course I’ll race you in tree chopping! Grrr, you’ll see! Of course I can chop down a tree!

See you back here in a while and we’ll see who can chop down three trees the fastest. Oh! If we’re going to be chopping down trees, then we may as well chop fir trees. Nothing’s as good as fir logs when it comes to building obstacles!

Objectives: Chop down three trees then return to the back of Ricky’s house.

Rewards: 40 Jorvik Shillings, 35 XP

Reputation: 25 with New Hillcrest

Ride behind the cafe and stable area of the village to find the trees. Use the axe to chop down three trees, then race back to Ricky’s house and find him in the backyard.

What the…?! How can you be that fast?!

Quest completed

______________

Ditch Those Twigs!

Huh? You reckon I should be trying to level the score? We’ve already cut down all the trees we need though…

Another race? In what?

Hmm… The next step in building the obstacles? Well I guess we need to tidy up these trees and get rid of all the twigs and branches.

You think we should race at that as well? Who can chop all the twigs and branches from the trunks the quickest?

Objectives: Clear the tree trunks of all their branches and twigs, then talk to Ricky.

Rewards: 35 Jorvik Shillings, 40 XP

Reputation: 25 with New Hillcrest

Dismount your horse and race Ricky to clean up the trees. Use your axe on the trees to clear off the branches.

Whew! Gasp! Bit sweaty now! How can you be that fast, though?

Quest completed

______________

You Can Work, I Can Rest

Whew! I’m done now! My fitness levels aren’t what they used to be. You should’ve seen me at my best! Even that wasn’t enough to win though… Sigh.

I lost my final match from lack of stamina. I thought I was well-trained enough, but my competitor… Was quite simply better. Stronger, more stamina, he was everything I wasn’t.

Sigh. I don’t have any more work in me right now, I’ve gotta take a rest. Whew!

Here, you can borrow my hammer in the meantime if you like. Follow my instructions, I’ll tell you what you need to do!

Objectives: Follow Ricky’s instructions for how to build the race obstacles.

Rewards: 35 Jorvik Shillings, 30 XP

Reputation: 25 with New Hillcrest

Dismount your horse and follow Ricky’s instructions to construct the obstacles. Complete each step before the timer runs out or you will have to begin again.

Nicely built Rita! I really needed to take a little break.

Quest completed

______________

Those Flags Are Good, Jorvegian Wood

There we go! You’re doing well here Rita, so we might as well get on with the next step right away! We need to paint race flags for the course.

Yeah, you’ve never thought of that? We only use wooden flags here on Jorvik. I mean, in some bigger races there are fabric flags, but in most cases, they’re wooden. Easier to take care of and they can withstand rain and rough weather so much better than fabric out in the forests.

What? Why are you even bothering me to a painting race, we both know you’ll win…

Umm, WHAT? Of course I can paint! Hmph!

Right, nah, you’ll see this time, I’ll show you painting! Ready? Start painting on three?

One… Two… Three!!

(You think it’s probably a good idea to let Ricky win this one so that he gets a little of his confidence back…)

Objectives: Paint the wooden racing flags, then talk to Ricky.

Rewards: 30 Jorvik Shillings, 35 XP

Reputation: 25 with New Hillcrest

Place the flag from your inventory, use the paint (slowly), then pick up the finished flag. Paint the three flags, then speak to Ricky.

I… I won… I won. Rita!! I WON!!

Quest completed

______________

I Won! I’ll Run!

I can’t believe I won! Rita! I’m starting to feel something bubbling up inside of me… It feels like I just want to… Run!

I wanna go running right now Rita! Come on, let’s go for a jog down to the stable so we can surprise Nathalie!

I’m just gonna grab my jogging shoes, then we can get going! Hmm… Come to think of it, where are my jogging shoes?

I remembered never wanting to see them again so I threw them away, but I can’t remember where I chucked them.

Could you help me have a look for them?

Objectives: Find Ricky’s jogging shoes, then talk to Ricky.

Rewards: 15 Jorvik Shillings, 10 XP

Reputation: 10 with New Hillcrest

Search around the back porch of Ricky’s neighbor to find his shoes. Return to him when you have found them.

There they are! Of course! I threw them out here before when I was angry, but I’m not feeling angry anymore!

Quest completed

______________

First Jog in Ages

Come on Rita! Let’s get out and run!

When I used to run regularly, Nathalie or one of the Bulldogz would come with me and blow into a horn to make sure I kept up my pace. I want to do it again now since I won!

It’s not hard, as soon as you notice I’m slowing down, blow the horn! Don’t let me stop for a second because then my pulse slows.

Just think, Rita! I won! Things are finally gonna go my way! Now let’s run down to the stable and see Nathalie!

Objectives: Join Ricky on his run.

Rewards: 25 Jorvik Shillings, 35 XP

Reputation: 25 with New Hillcrest

Dismount your horse and follow Ricky on foot as he runs down to the stable. Use the horn to encourage him to keep his pace. If you let him stop, you will have to begin again. Also, don’t worry about leaving your horse, it will meet you down at the stable and in a following quest you will run back up to Ricky’s house.

Meet Ricky by Nathalie and the thug Ivan Drake, out talking in front of the stable.

Ha! Ricky, are you out… Running? Well, if you can call it running. Give me a second to have a little chuckle…

Quest completed

______________

New Hillcrest Stables on the Line

I won’t be staying long. Just here to check out my new gym premises, or, well, your dirty stinking stable as it is for now. Hehe.

Who do you have here with you, Ricky? Who’s Little Miss Nobody?

Rita? I’ve heard that name before. My sister probably mentioned it…

Who am I? HA! I’m Ivan Drake, make sure you store that name away in your silly little pea-brain.

Oh, I’m sorry, did little chicky Ricky have something to say? You dumb little pipsqueak, YOU think YOU have a chance against me? Wow, you’re even more tragic than I remember. You’ll never beat me in the Jorvegian Jor Jitsu Championships. Hehe.

Let’s imagine for a moment that you did — against all odds — get a place at districts… All that means is that I’d get to look forward to smashing you at nationals. Haha.

In any case, I’m perfectly excited to take over this rancid mess of a stable and turn it into the gym and training HQ for Total Destruction, the elite Jor Jitsu club where only the best and strongest can train. Hehe

Oh now the stable girl has something to say. What’s that, Nathalie? Your precious little horsies won’t have anywhere to go if the stable disappears?

Nawwww, poor little fluffy horsies. Hahaha, what makes you think I even care about your dumb horses? I don’t care if they’re homeless, I don’t care if you don’t get to keep them. Get it? Nobody cares.

Have a nice day anyway, losers. Oh, and Nathalie! I look forward to the loan interest being paid on tie this month, otherwise next month there’ll be a 78% extra charge! Maybe I could take this opportunity to take your house as payment? Would be nice to live so close to the training center…

Objectives: Talk to Nathalie.

Rewards: 10 Jorvik Shillings, 5 XP

Reputation: 5 with New Hillcrest

Oh dear, how did you get wrapped up with a jerk like this?

Ivan! Please! Don’t take our stable! We’ll get the money, all of it, I promise! Just give us another couple of months! Please!

Quest completed

______________

The End for New Hillcrest Stables

Grrr… I hate that little worm! Gosh, I’m so ANGRY!!

Sniffle… Ricky? What are we going to do? We can’t let Ivan Drake and GED take over our stable. Where would all the horses go? Sniff. I just dreamed of having a stable where all kinds of horses are welcome and could have a home if they needed one. Sniff! We can’t let them take our stable! We need help from somewhere…

Sniffle… Rita, I know you don’t know much about what’s going on here.

A few years ago there were lots and lots of money troubles all over New Hillcrest. Everyone was struggling for money, and it even started to go wrong for the stable. It got so bad that at one point, we came close to having to close the stable for good if we didn’t get enough money together. If the stable had to close, then lots of the horses wouldn’t have anywhere to live, and some of them might even have needed to be… Sniffle…

So Ricky and I talked to this new bank that had just opened that was offering really attractive loans, even if you didn’t have too much of an income. The loans were almost too good to be true, and in the end it turned out that GED and the Drake family were the owners of the bank.

When we signed the loan agreement, everything seemed above board, but now the stable and all my private property is going to be taken away from me if the whole loan isn’t paid back soon. Where will the horses go then?

Sniff.

Please Ricky, please Rita, can I just be alone for a little while now? I need to talk to the Bulldogz, because I think time’s pretty much up for our stable and our horses…

Objectives: Talk to Ricky.

Rewards: 5 Jorvik Shillings, 10 XP

Reputation: 5 with New Hillcrest

Yikes, not good, not good at all.

GRRRR!! That snake!! He won’t be coming close to either Nathalie or the horses again!

Quest completed

______________

Don’t Let Me Stop

We need to stop him, Rita! We have to stop Ivan Drake! And I know exactly how to do it…!

If I win the Jorvegian Championships in Jor Jitsu, I’ll get enough prize money to be able to pay off the whole loan.

I simply have to win! Ivan’s the reigning champion in Jor Jitsu, and it was against him that I lost last time… If I could just win this time, then I can fix everything!

You’re sure, Rita? You’ll help us? You don’t know how much that means, thank you! Together we can do this!

Come on, let’s run back to my place. This time I’m gonna give it 120%! Don’t let me stop! Whatever you do Rita, do NOT let me stop!! It’s now or never!

Objectives: Jog back with Ricky.

Rewards: 25 Jorvik Shillings, 30 XP

Reputation: 35 with New Hillcrest

Blow the horn as you did before and meet Ricky back up at his house.

Whew! Gasp! Gulp! My fitness levels are really not what they used to be…

Quest completed

______________

Drinking Water Like a Horse!

Whew! Gasp! Water! I need water!

You and Summerblaze should also get a drink!

Haha! Shall we see who can drink the fastest?

What? Haha! Nooo, you’re no match for me, I was talking about racing Summerblaze!

Come on Summerblaze! Let’s see who can drink the fastest!

Objectives: Give your horse some water so that race against Ricky can start.

Rewards: 15 Jorvik Shillings, 10 XP

Reputation: 10 with New Hillcrest

Use your water bucket to give your horse water, just as you would during care.

That feels better! It’s gonna be tough times now though. So much training to do, tons of working out to make sure I’m ready for the qualifies for districts.

First I need to qualify for a place in the district championships, and then when I’ve done that I need to win it. Once I’ve done that, it’s only the national final to go, and the only thing between me and first place is Ivan.

If I’m going to be able to do this, I need to eat right. Last time I was working out, I only ate protein, but I hear that the latest thing to eat gluten-free food.

What do you mean by eat a little of everything in moderation? What’s that? Nah, Rita, gluten-free is the way to go! I need to stretch out after my jog, it’s really important to warm down.

Could you ride over to Jamie Olivetree’s bakery and get some gluten-free bread for me please?

Great! Seeya soon!

Objectives: Get some gluten-free bread from Jamie Olivetree.

Rewards: 20 Jorvik Shillings, 15 XP

Reputation: 10 with New Hillcrest

Ride over to the old part of New Hillcrest and find Jamie near the cafe.